2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FT12 KHC

The vehicle remains roadworthy following its most recent MOT pass in February 2026 at 104,281 miles. While the car passed with a worn parking brake lever, the overall maintenance trend shows a stable pattern of reactive repairs rather than escalating mechanical failure. The transition from a clean record in 2023 to multiple advisories in subsequent years suggests that the owner is addressing issues as they appear rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 14 years old with 104,281 miles, the Polo averages approximately 7,450 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a hatchback of this age. The record shows consistent testing intervals, with a gap of roughly 9,600 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 7,700 miles between the 2025 and the 2026 tests. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle has not been left stationary for long periods, which helps mitigate the risk of degradation in rubber components and seals. A prospective buyer should inspect the rear suspension specifically, as the tester flagged oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber in 2025 and the nearside rear shock in 2022. This recurring issue indicates the dampers are nearing the end of their functional life and may require replacement. The history also highlights a pattern of neglected tyre maintenance; advisories for worn edges, perishing, and low-depth tread across 2024 and 2025 indicate that the previous owner waited until components reached failure before replacement. The braking system also requires attention, as front brake pads were noted as thin in 2024 at 86,968 miles. A physical inspection should verify the current thickness of the pads and the condition of the discs for uneven wear or pitting. Given the parking brake lever warning in the latest test, the mechanism should be tested to ensure the cable remains adjusted correctly and holds the vehicle effectively on inclines.